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G7 protest in Munich hot, but not heated

Almost 35,000 people have held a demonstration in the southern German city of Munich ahead of the upcoming G7 summit in Bavaria. Climate change, global poverty and the TTIP trade deal were among protesters' concerns.

G7 protests gain momentum

A number of protests are planned in Germany ahead of the G7 summit in southern Bavaria starting on Sunday. Thursday's protest in Munich drew almost 35,000 people, more than even the organizers expected. Police praised the protesters' peaceful behavior, and left their water cannon unused. But they did open a hydrant to provide water to people suffering under the heat.

Climate change concerns

"Coal costs lives": a large number protesters voiced concern at the continued use of coal as an energy source in many countries, including Germany, despite its role in producing climate-damaging greenhouse gases. And the masks worn by the carriers of the banner show clearly to whom they are addressing their appeals.

Heads of state

Masks of the seven leaders that are to attend the two-day summit were a frequent feature at the protest. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama were prominently displayed. But one mask was missing this time: that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, suspended from what was the Group of Eight (G8) last year over his country's role in the Ukraine crisis.

TTIP topping the agenda

Many of the protesters were concerned at the EU-US trade deal TTIP that is currently under discussion. Critics of the deal fear that it could result in a lowering of food safety standards and allow big corporations to overturn government policies that they see as endangering their interests.

Many people, many banners

The motto of the demonstration was "Stop TTIP - Save the climate - Fight poverty," and the many banners at the demonstration reflected these issues. The demonstration was called by a range of political parties and NGOs, who will have been pleased at the huge turnout.

Protest camp with Alpine views

Demonstrators have also been setting up a protest camp in the southern German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, fairly near the summit venue in Elmau Castle. The camp was first banned by German authorities, but was allowed after a court ruling. Some 200 activists have already taken up residence there.

G7 protests gain momentum

A number of protests are planned in Germany ahead of the G7 summit in southern Bavaria starting on Sunday. Thursday's protest in Munich drew almost 35,000 people, more than even the organizers expected. Police praised the protesters' peaceful behavior, and left their water cannon unused. But they did open a hydrant to provide water to people suffering under the heat.

Climate change concerns

"Coal costs lives": a large number protesters voiced concern at the continued use of coal as an energy source in many countries, including Germany, despite its role in producing climate-damaging greenhouse gases. And the masks worn by the carriers of the banner show clearly to whom they are addressing their appeals.

Heads of state

Masks of the seven leaders that are to attend the two-day summit were a frequent feature at the protest. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama were prominently displayed. But one mask was missing this time: that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, suspended from what was the Group of Eight (G8) last year over his country's role in the Ukraine crisis.

TTIP topping the agenda

Many of the protesters were concerned at the EU-US trade deal TTIP that is currently under discussion. Critics of the deal fear that it could result in a lowering of food safety standards and allow big corporations to overturn government policies that they see as endangering their interests.

Many people, many banners

The motto of the demonstration was "Stop TTIP - Save the climate - Fight poverty," and the many banners at the demonstration reflected these issues. The demonstration was called by a range of political parties and NGOs, who will have been pleased at the huge turnout.

Protest camp with Alpine views

Demonstrators have also been setting up a protest camp in the southern German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, fairly near the summit venue in Elmau Castle. The camp was first banned by German authorities, but was allowed after a court ruling. Some 200 activists have already taken up residence there.